Last year, Chris Christie, the Governor of New Jersey, announced a his desire to extend the school day and shorten summer break. Although the plan never became reality, the issue is one that is likely to come up again in the future, here in New Jersey and possibly elsewhere around the USA.
Many people - students in particular - seem to automatically feel that a longer school day is NOT a good idea. We asked fourth grade students "should the school day be longer?" and got a nearly-unanimous "NO!" as an answer. However, once we started asking some questions, the conversation changed. What if a longer school day meant...
More time for subjects students LOVE, both academic and otherwise?
More time for hands-on projects?
More time for lunch? Recess?
More time to complete homework in school, perhaps with someone available to help?
What do YOU think?
Here's where we need your help. Our fourth grade classes (five, with about 20 students each) are looking for other fourth grade classroom partners. Students will be "teamed" up for the purpose of this exercise and explore the topic by interacting here, on this wiki. Other technologies may be used, like Google Apps for Education, if available.
Governor Christie's initiative may have failed, but the question remains: should the school day be longer? The goal of the project is to reach an understanding of the issue from student perspectives.
If you are interested in participating, please email kjarrett@ncs-nj.org to start the conversation.
Thank you!
Kevin Jarrett
Teacher of Computer Technology, K-4
Northfield, NJ USA
Reference: NJ Core Curriculum Content Standard 8.1.4.C.1: "Engage in online discussions with learners in the United States or from other countries to understand their perspectives on a global problem or issue."
Fourth Grade students at Northfield Community Elementary School in Northfield, New Jersey are researching this issue and need your help.
Many people - students in particular - seem to automatically feel that a longer school day is NOT a good idea. We asked fourth grade students "should the school day be longer?" and got a nearly-unanimous "NO!" as an answer. However, once we started asking some questions, the conversation changed. What if a longer school day meant...
What do YOU think?
Here's where we need your help. Our fourth grade classes (five, with about 20 students each) are looking for other fourth grade classroom partners. Students will be "teamed" up for the purpose of this exercise and explore the topic by interacting here, on this wiki. Other technologies may be used, like Google Apps for Education, if available.
Governor Christie's initiative may have failed, but the question remains: should the school day be longer? The goal of the project is to reach an understanding of the issue from student perspectives.
If you are interested in participating, please email kjarrett@ncs-nj.org to start the conversation.
Thank you!
Kevin Jarrett
Teacher of Computer Technology, K-4
Northfield, NJ USA
Reference: NJ Core Curriculum Content Standard 8.1.4.C.1: "Engage in online discussions with learners in the United States or from other countries to understand their perspectives on a global problem or issue."